VISITING THE GASHAKA PRIMATE PROJECT

Advice and Philosophy

The best time for this trip is between mid December and mid May when
our field station tends to be busy with a variety of foreign and
African researchers, students, and field assistants.

This is also the dry season, and no rain at all will normally fall
from mid December till mid March. Between December and May,
four-wheel drive vehicles can cross the three rivers en route from
Serti to Gashaka and at times also on to Kwano. Visitors without own
vehicle will be able to find transport from Serti into the park,
either with a commercial truck, transport run by the park, or by
hiring a motorcycle taxi.

We are normally in a position to host up to 6 visitors at our field
station in Kwano. Often, we can provide a double-room with beds, but
this is not guaranteed unless you are able to communicate with us
prior to your arrival. You have to bring you own food supplies. For
accommodation, we charge 5 £ per head and night – with the profit
going to the maintenance of our project.

Visitors may accompany our field assistants or researchers on their
daily routine, if we can integrate this into the schedule. We also
provide trail maps for self-exploration of the surrounding jungle.
Visitors are always able to observe various monkey species (baboons,
putty-nosed guenons, mona monkeys, black-and-white colobus). However,
it takes considerable effort and some luck to see chimpanzees. For
this, you need to invest an average of three hikes into the forest,
leaving before dawn and returning around noon.

The more time you have, the better will you be able to enjoy the real
beauty of the National Park which will only reveal itself if you
explore the area on foot. Remember, these are not open plains where
wildlife is easily spotted. It takes dedication, patience and luck to
encounter wild animals - but when you do, it is very rewarding, as
you made it happen yourself A glimpse of a Giant forest hog, caught
while crouching in the undergrowth, is likely to impress itself
deeper into your memory than a close-up view of a pride of lions
spoon-fed to you through the windows of a zebra-striped bus.

It is most exciting to hike to the confluence of river Ngiti and
river Gamgam (a daytrip), into the highlands (at least 2 days), or to
the top of Gangirwal mountain (at least one week). Anybody in good
physical condition can do this. You need comfortable walking boots
and field clothes. Our project can normally help to arrange for
porters, guides and gear.

If you don't mind the cliché of wandering off the beaten track: here
you can do it. It is good for the local economy, for nature
conservation, and for you: a win-win-win situation. Enjoy!

Short-Trip For Visitors From Abuja With Own 4WD

Day 1. Leave no later than 05:30. Abuja - Makurdi - Katsina Ala –
Takum – Beli - Serti. Arrive after 10-12 hours. Clear park
formalities at Serti tourist camp. Spend the night or travel on for
another hour into the park to camp at the banks of river Mayo Kam.
There is no mobile phone connection once you leave Serti.

Day 2. Walk along the right bank of the river, which straddles the
Kam gorge (2 hours). Have drivers pick you up at Hippo pool. Proceed
to Gashaka village and the remaining13 km on to Kwano. Explore field
station and forest trails.